Police: We will check venues
POLICE have urged New Year’s Eve venues to be vigilant on the Covid compliance of partygoers – because they will be knocking on their door.
Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said officers would be checking in to ensure everyone is “doing the right thing”.
“We will have a significant policing response here on the Gold Coast on Friday night for New Year’s Eve,” he said.
“As far as business compliance goes, we have to remind operators that double-vaccination and checking-in is still very much a live situation for us. We will be doing some compliance operations to ensure businesses are doing the right thing, but also to make sure the community are as well.”
Supt Wildman said compliance had been “quite good” from Gold Coast locals, but interstate visitors “may not have been used to checking-in or wearing masks”.
He said Queensland Police would continue to work with the relevant organisations in educating the public on the rules and requirements.
When asked about concerns of New Year’s Eve sparking a “superspreader” event, Supt Wildman said masks were key.
“If you’re in a public place or venue where you can’t socially distance, then it’s important to
wear a mask,” he said. “While it can be hard to do so while you’re partying and having a good time, think about your own welfare and what that looks like for you.
“If you have any symptoms at all, don’t go out. We understand that the community will want to celebrate Friday night, but please do it safely.”
Bree Maloney, of night-life mainstays White Rhino, Cali Beach Club, Havana, Sin City and The Bedroom, said soldout venues had rallied to ensure there would be enough staff for the night.
She said a “lot of staff” had been lost to Covid close contact isolation requirements.
“We’ve all worked really hard to ensure we’d have a number of rock star bartenders and waitstaff for New Year’s Eve and everything is looking really positive.
“We had a significant amount of cancellations. However, we had a waiting list of over 1000 people and managed to re-sell all remaining tickets.”